The Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Podcast

Today's buyers have more options, more leverage, and higher expectations than they've had in years. Learn what that means for homeowners planning to list their property in 2026 and how to position your home for a successful sale. James and Denny share what they're seeing firsthand as Vancouver sellers adapt to a market where buyers have more choice and negotiating power. In this episode, they disc...

The Vancouver real estate market continues to feel slow, with cautious buyers, hesitant sellers, and very little appetite for investment properties. This episode also looks at some of the more recent political decisions and what it could mean for housing, development, and confidence across the Lower Mainland. James and Denny share their on-the-ground take on a slow Vancouver real estate market, wh...

In today's Vancouver real estate market, strategic renovations can make the difference between sitting on the market and selling with confidence. This episode breaks down how sellers should approach upgrades, pricing, and preparation to maximize value without over-improving in a shifting market. James and Denny break down the renovation do's and don'ts that actually matter when getting your home r...

Rates are on hold, but the market isn't moving. We unpack why 2025 was one of the slowest years for Vancouver real estate and what this stalemate means for 2026.  James and Denny share what they're seeing as Vancouver realtors in a stalled market. With rates on hold and sales at 2025 lows, they break down what's actually happening at showings. This episode will focus on the BoC rate Hold, 2025 hav...

Being a landlord in Vancouver has never been more challenging. With rising operating costs, tightening regulations, and softening rental returns, many investors are questioning whether holding residential property still makes financial sense in today's market. What was once considered a safe, long-term wealth strategy now comes with more uncertainty, more risks, and fewer rewards. James and Denny...

The Bank of Canada's latest rate cut has buyers hopeful, but the Vancouver market tells a different story. Despite lower borrowing costs, inventory continues to climb, and many homes are still sitting as we move deeper into a true buyer's market. James and Denny share what they're seeing firsthand as realtors in today's shifting market — listings sitting longer, price reductions becoming common, a...

Depreciation reports are one of the most important — and misunderstood — tools in strata real estate. These reports reveal the true condition of a building, outline upcoming repair costs, and can significantly influence a property's value and long-term investment potential. James and Denny break down how depreciation reports influence strata health, budgeting, and property values, helping buyers a...

The Bank of Canada's 0.25% rate cut has done little to heat up Vancouver's sluggish real estate market, leaving buyers and sellers cautious in an increasingly volatile environment. Developers are feeling the squeeze as high costs, weak demand, and policy shifts make it harder than ever to bring projects to life. James and Denny talk about supporting clients as they adapt to the realities of a slow...

A swell of condo inventory is reshaping the resale landscape, giving buyers unprecedented choice and bargaining power. We'll unpack where the numbers sit now and spotlight the savvy moves that can turn this surplus into opportunity. James and Denny share how they're approaching the condo market's high-inventory landscape with both buyers and sellers, unpacking the tactics that help clients stand o...

The shifting buyers' market is rewriting Vancouver real estate playbooks, demanding frank conversations that sometimes include tough truths on pricing and timelines. This episode unpacks how to deliver bad news gracefully while setting rock-solid expectations that keep both buyers and sellers confident and on track.  James and Denny share real-life conversations with clients and discuss how import...

Metro Vancouver is experiencing a deceptively quiet spring with inventory climbing even as the Bank of Canada holds rates steady. We unpack how that rising supply and the new GST changes could reshape strategies for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. James and Denny discuss how they're navigating today's buyer-seller dynamics and the real-world scenarios unfolding in the market. This episode wi...

Vancouver's condo market is reeling as presale buyers face steep losses, with completed units reselling for less than their launch prices. Analysts warn that the wave of cancellations, investor fatigue, and rising carrying costs has turned once-sure-thing presales into a cautionary tale of condo crisis and buyer pain. James and Denny dive into Vancouver's condo crisis, spotlighting painful presale...

The Bank of Canada has kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.75%, putting a pause on a streak of seven straight cuts. In its Wednesday announcement, the Bank acknowledged a significant slowdown in the Canadian economy but opted to hold the rate as it awaits more clarity on U.S. trade policy and the broader effects of tariffs. James and Denny share their on-the-ground insights as Vancouver r...

Thinking about jumping into real estate? In this episode, we discuss whether investing in Vancouver real estate still makes sense today, explore different property types, and discuss long-term appreciation in a market everyone's watching. James and Denny discuss whether it's still worth investing in the Vancouver real estate market, diving into current trends and popular investment property types....

The real estate market has yet to gain the momentum many expected, with buyer demand remaining sluggish despite seasonal trends. However, some properties are still holding at peak pricing and even attracting multiple offers. James and Denny discuss the types of properties receiving multiple offers despite the overall slow real estate market in the Lower Mainland. This episode will focus on the low...

The Bank of Canada has implemented its seventh consecutive rate cut, continuing its aggressive push to stimulate economic growth amid slowing inflation and global uncertainty. This latest reduction signals ongoing concerns about consumer spending, business investment, and the broader impact of tariffs and upcoming elections on the Canadian economy. James and Denny share what they are currently see...

Flipping homes in British Columbia can be a lucrative venture, but with rising costs, market fluctuations, and strict taxation rules, is it still worth it? In this episode, we break down the realities of house flipping in BC, the taxes that can eat into your profits, and whether investors can still make money in today's market. James and Denny share their personal experiences flipping homes and di...

With upcoming federal elections, the threat of Trump's tariffs, and constant density changes, the Vancouver real estate market is shrouded in uncertainty. It's hard to predict what the future holds as these dynamic factors continue to influence market trends. James and Denny offer their insights into the current state of Vancouver's real estate market. They also discuss how shifts in density may i...

The Bank of Canada (BoC) has lowered its key interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 3%. This marks the sixth consecutive cut since June, bringing the benchmark rate down by a total of 200 basis points from its peak of 5% in July 2023. James and Denny share what they see in today's real estate market and how these rate cuts affect everyday sales. This episode will focus on the BoC's mo...

Whether it's an up-and-coming area or a timelessly desirable community, certain neighbourhoods offer compelling reasons to invest—even during a down market. However, pinpointing these prime spots can often be a challenge. James and Denny share their list of the best neighbourhoods and talk about what makes them so special and why they picked them. This episode will focus on popular neighbourhoods...

Vancouver remains the priciest city in Canada for renters, though rents for vacant apartments are gradually decreasing from last year's peak. According to the latest rent reports, the average monthly rent for an empty one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is now $2,690, a 4.6% drop from last year. James and Denny discuss what they're observing in the real estate market and how falling rental rates im...

The Bank of Canada has reduced its key interest rate by 50 basis points to 3.75 percent, marking the first cut of this size since the COVID-19 pandemic. This rate cut was prompted by the latest Canadian inflation report, showing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped to a year-over-year rate of 1.6%, below the Bank of Canada's 2% target range. James and Denny discuss their insights on Vancouver's...

Managing difficult conversations with real estate clients effectively is key to maintaining strong relationships. Staying informed about current market conditions and the factors that can cause deals to fall through is crucial for navigating these situations. James and Denny discuss how they handle delivering bad news, emphasizing the critical importance of open communication between realtors and...

As election day nears, the B.C. NDP and Conservatives remain divided on housing. NDP Leader David Eby warns that John Rustad's Conservatives would undo most of the NDP's housing policies, including Bill 44, a stance the Conservatives openly endorse. James and Denny share their thoughts on Bill 44 and discuss how housing will be affected depending on who wins the election. This episode will focus o...

   The new CMHC rules will enable more homebuyers to qualify for mortgage insurance, potentially allowing them to secure larger mortgage amounts, and making homeownership more accessible. This includes 30-year amortization periods and mortgage insurance qualification for houses up to $1.5 million.    James and Denny share their thoughts on these changes as the government tries to stimulate home bu...